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Interpol's 2002 debut album Turn Off the Bright Lights set the group apart from its garage rock peers due to the long, complicated songcraft and singer Paul Banks' deep vocals. Unlike other New York City bands of that era, Interpol favored lush, dark arrangements over choppy punk riffs. Soon, even A-listers were lining up for Interpol tickets.

Though mainstream success eluded the band, it gained a reputation for being trendy and fashionable. Interpol's music was a constant presence on television and during runway shows. The band members only ever wore black onstage, adding to their mystique. Banks' lyrics were more atmospheric than literal or poetic, but his delivery gave them a unique sort of meaning. The band still records and tours, and tickets for Interpol shows still sell for top dollar, especially if the shows are at exclusive clubs that evoke the band's early days in New York dive bars.